What type of information is essential when making a report of potential abuse?

The essential information when making a report of potential abuse includes the name and address of the protected person. This information is critical because it allows the proper authorities to identify and locate the individual who may be in need of protection or intervention. Providing specific identifying information ensures that the report is actionable and that the necessary steps can be taken to investigate the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the individual.

While the other options may contain information that is useful in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate needs related to reporting abuse. The reporter's medical history is typically irrelevant to the abuse scenario, the legal history of the accused might not be pertinent to the initial report, and the Social Security number, although it could help in identification, is not commonly required and raises privacy concerns. Thus, having the name and address of the protected person is the most critical detail for ensuring a timely and effective response to potential abuse.